How do I learn to drive on the “wrong” side of the road?

Driving in a different country can prove difficult just due to you driving a hired car that isn’t like your own vehicle. Factor in that your holiday destination could drive on the opposite side of the road to you and you may find yourself getting a bit confused and flustered, not what you had planned for your trip? Here are our top tips for driving on the “wrong” side of the road.

Driving on the left if you’re used to the right.

Countries that drive on the left include:
(This list is not exhaustive and you should always double check what side of the road your destination drives on)

As you approach a roundabout, in countries that drive on the left give way to the right. If a car on the right hand side has already entered the roundabout wait until a clear space has appeared then pull out. The car to your left will do the same as you did for the driver to the right.

Turning left at a junction is simple. You’re pulling out into flowing traffic, you just need to look to your right hand side and pull out when there is space.

Turning right at a junction can be a bit trickier if you’re used to driving on the right. If wishing to turn right, you need to pull out only where there is space from the right (the traffic closest to you) and the left (the traffic furthest away).

Take your time and familiarise yourself with the general rules of the road systems in the country you are visiting.

Try choose a pick-up location that isn’t in heavy traffic, having to adjust to a new way of driving can be stressful, but especially so in heavy traffic.

Don’t be afraid to drive slower than you usually would whilst you get used to driving on the opposite side of the road.

Driving on the right if you’re used to the left

Countries that drive on the right include:
(This list is not exhaustive and you should always double check what side of the road your destination drives on)

As you approach a roundabout, in countries that drive on the right give way to the left. If a car on the left hand side has already entered the roundabout wait until a clear space has appeared then pull out. The car to your right will do the same as you did for the driver to the left.

Turning right at a junction is simple. You’re joining flowing traffic, you just need to look to your left hand side and pull out when there is space.

Turning left at a junction can be a bit trickier if you’re used to driving on the left. If wishing to turn left, you need to pull out only where there is space from the left (the traffic closest to you) and the right (traffic travelling in the opposite direction).

Take your time and familiarise yourself with the general rules of the road systems in the country you are visiting.

Try choose a pick-up location that isn’t in heavy traffic, having to adjust to a new way of driving can be stressful, but especially so in heavy traffic.

Don’t be afraid to drive slower than you usually would whilst you get used to driving on the opposite side of the road.